Overview of the WorkshopThe overall vision is to rekindle the spirit of H.M.S.Challenger by looking back to its maritime heritage; by comparing current ocean research tools, technologies and techniques with those used on the voyage; and by building awareness of the future of ocean exploration, much like those taking place within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today. The workshop is geared primarily to high school and middle school educators, but should be of interest to educators and scholars of all levels. The focus is on science, history, technology, social studies, & art. All presentations and dialogues occur online.(See “Special Offers” page for “Teams” of teachers joining workshop together.)

The workshop will present the history of ocean exploration in the late 1800’s, with a special emphasis on H.M.S. Challenger. The workshop will use actual resources from the Challenger, and lesson plans designed specifically for comparing Challenger with modern oceanographic efforts. Current oceanographic expeditions will be highlighted; and, the workshop will also offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of undersea technologies.

Science and history experts will “present” and be available for an open dialogue. Teachers will be provided with relevant and useful information for their classrooms. “Teacher Consultants” will provide firsthand experience on introducing ocean content to students, and provide a network of peers to provide advice and answer questions.

Teachers will gain research findings, lesson plans, news stories, magazine articles, video clips and internet links to ensure that their students become ocean literate. The workshop series will introduce a wide array of topics that are linked to the National Science Education Standards, and other standards where applicable.

Aquarius - National Undersea Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Background of H.M.S. ChallengerThe historic voyage of H.M.S. Challenger, conducted between 1872-1876, is often considered to be the first expedition undertaken specifically to conduct oceanographic research. Its around-the-globe journey covered almost 69,000 nautical miles and gathered data on temperature, currents, water chemistry, marine organisms, and bottom deposits at 362 oceanographic stations.

The scientific results of the voyage were published in a 50-volume, 29,500-page report that took 23 years to compile. Many of the detailed drawings of flora and fauna in the report provide much of the basis of modern marine biology.